, 1887-08-25

here nearly every thing grown in
America. The fields are more like
gardens. They are unprotected. Not
a fence is seen. It is odd to see
crops growing SO near the road that
they can almost be tc;sched with the
hand as one walks al0ng. The no
fence law prevails all over Japan.
Popular streets in Japanese towns
are thrOnged on summer nights The
people Come forth to breathe the
fresh air. Some sit on benches in
front OF their houses, talking over the
latest news, telling stories, slipping
tea, and commenting on the passers-
by; Others, generally the younger
folks, walk the illuminated street,
stopping here and there to look at
something attractive IN the open shops
or on the night huck.ters' mats by
the street sides. The entire front of
nearly every house is thrown wide
open so that one can see all that
transpires within. Merchants are
exhibiting and lauding their goods
and the close buyers are haggllng
over the price. The seller expects to
take less than he asks and the buyer
is flattered by the reduction. The
street has the appearance OF a vast
roOtiess exhibition hall. The wares
IN the open shops are arrayed in the
most attractive manner to tempt the
gazing throng. The crowd itself is
the chief attraction to an obseryant
foreigner. Females are seldom seen
alone. They go in groups of two or
more The toilet has been carefully
arranged and one cannot help think
ing that on the part of the younger
ladies the walk is as much for the
purpose of being seen as to see
Young men, as Is their wont every
where, are not slow to note the at
fractions of a well-favored female
Still one sees nothing ina; roper in the
street. The people are lively, but
orderly. The numerous watchful
policemen soon remove any disorder
ly person. In the second stories of
hotels and restaurants, guests, singly
and in groups can be seen eating or
drinking wine In the latter case,
one or more female musicians are US
ually present. Above the hum in the
street, may. be heard the familiar
notes of the samisen and the accom-
panying voice of the player. If
dancers also are present, a crowd is
sure to assemble in the street below.
They watch with intent interest every
movement of the gaily dressed, grace
fnl dancers as they portray. in pam
tomlme, the sentlmants OF song OF
story. On warm nights !Ie venders
OF iced drinks do prosE, rous bust
ness Ice water, ice cream, lemon
ade, iced syrups and liquors are
doled out in surprising quantities
Gradually as the night wears on, the
crowd of promenadors thins, until by
midnight, scarcely a, vestige remains
of the lively scenes that have just
been transpiring; all except the street
lamps are out. The sliding front
doors of the houses are closed, the
inmates have retired; all is quiet save
perhaps the noise of a returning jim
rikisha, the footballs of here and there
a belated pedestrian, or the barking
of watchful dog.
Such is life in Japan. That the
people are happy can not be doubted
yet, like the people of every land
they are not perfect; they have theil
faults and virtues; their joys anc
sorrows. AS they advance in the
adoption of western civilization ant
become more like ourselves, will theil
condition be bettered2 1t is hoped
, SO; but we very much doubt it. They
will then enjoy life more than they
, do now. NIPPON